Small Business Saturday in the Village of Westfield

The downtown revival is in full swing this year for Small Business Saturday November 24th 10 am to 5 pm in Westfield Main Street and Portage Streets downtown. The merchants have coordinated to have extraordinary sales, specials, promotions at various locations. The Westfield Barcelona Chamber will have holiday music on main street and an event map highlighting all the stores and events. The map will be available at all the stores and restaurants.

Some stores will have treats and hot drinks for the shoppers of this special day. There will be hot roasted Bavarian nuts available on Main Street and also several wine tastings.

Small Business Saturday is a recent retail holiday first observed November 27, 2010. It is a counterpoint to the Black Friday event that focuses on big box retailers. The Saturday has grown in recognition and has become an important revenue day for small local businesses. It’s also a great excuse to go shopping and dining in quaint villages and get great deals. Many of Chautauqua County’s villages are promoting the day and having special events.

The pop-up shop that started in August will have its final weekend. Rosie’s Workshop will be open Saturday celebrating their last day. Rosie’s has become known for its interesting window displays including a mid-century modern theme featuring a blue mannequin dressed as Don Draper.  Rosie’s offers vintage camera lights, retro radios, and table lamps made from 1930s projectors.

“We have had an excellent run as a pop-up here in Westfield. Our sales have exceeded our expectations, and we’ve learned much about specialty retail. We know of two or three other entrepreneurs who are in talks with building owners to create pop-up shops next year.” says Jen Koss one of the two proprietors of Rosie’s Workshop at 53 East Main.

There has been a surge in building occupation the past two years on both Main Street and Portage Street. Most of the buildings are filled and space is difficult to find. Many of the store fronts have been updated or fully renovated. A drive through bustling downtown reveals a picture-perfect village business center.

“We’re very excited to see all the new stores, restaurants and renovations coming to fruition around Westfield. It’s an exciting time here. Main and Portage Streets have been important for our village and it’s great to see all the merchants working together. Small Business Saturday is a wonderful example of this,” says Westfield Mayor Michael VandeVelde.